Our founder, Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, created SEEN so everyone could enjoy gorgeous hair and healthy-looking skin. To achieve this goal, she avoids many common irritants and allergens when developing SEEN products. Which brings us to glucosides…
What are glucosides?
Glucosides are a common skincare ingredient found in rinse-off products like shampoo and body wash, as well as leave-on lotions and creams. Originally derived from sugar (and often created synthetically in a lab), glucosides are often used as cleansing agents (especially in baby shampoos) because they are effective and gentle on the skin.
The concerns about glucosides
If they come from sugar and wash away impurities without irritating the skin, you’re probably wondering what the issue is. This is where glucoside history gets interesting. Remember when “natural” ingredients became all the rage and skincare companies started touting plant-derived alternatives instead? This is about the time sulfates began to fall out of favor because of their potential to strip the skin of its natural oils. One of the main ingredients that was subbed in for sulfates was glucosides.
Over the decades after glucosides became more mainstream, contact dermatitis specialists noticed that reports of allergic reactions increased as well. They also noted a significant rise in positive patch test results for glucosides between 2014 and 2016. This led to glucosides being named Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2017. Despite receiving this infamous “award,” glucosides have yet to achieve the same level of public awareness as other controversial ingredients like parabens and phthalates.
Should we avoid glucosides?
As with any other ingredient, the choice is yours. Glucosides are widely used in shampoos, body washes, moisturizers, and sunscreens—including best-selling products from brands you definitely know. While you’re shopping, just remember that glucosides may be a possible cause of contact dermatitis if you have eczema–and this includes babies.
Use SEEN instead
Instead of glucosides, SEEN’s Shampoo, Body Wash, and Face Wash are formulated with a mild yet effective plant-derived surfactant that respects the skin barrier. (There are no glucosides in any of our other products either.) SEEN also avoids many common and emerging allergens—including other Allergen of the Year “winners.” All SEEN products are also subjected to sensitive skin repeat insult patch testing (RIPT), and our fragrance-free products have received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™.
Remember, “natural” ingredients aren’t automatically safe, especially for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin. But SEEN is!
